Kent State football player Jason Bitsko dies at 21

CLEVELAND -- Kent State football player Jason Bitsko, who was slated to start at center for the Golden Flashes this season, died Wednesday.

Police believe he passed away from an undetermined medical issue, the school said. The school said in a release the 21-year-old Bitsko was found unresponsive in the bedroom of his off-campus apartment shortly before 9 a.m.

When Bitsko failed to show up at practice, calls were placed to Bitsko's roommate, who called 911 after finding Bitsko in his bed. Brimfield Police arrived on the scene within three minutes of the call.

The university, the athletic department & the Golden Flashes football program are mourning the loss of Jason Bitsko http://t.co/MwLjPxXRVS

Bitsko was in his fourth year with the Golden Flashes. He started all 12 games in 2013, and received an award during this year's spring game for "exemplifying hard work and dedication."

"Kent State University and the entire Kent community mourns his passing," said Joel Nielsen, the school's athletic director. "We are heartbroken by the news of Jason's death. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, teammates and everyone whose lives he touched."